Media Relations Specialists

Employers

Approximately 308,000 public relations specialists are employed in the United States. Media relations specialists are employed either by the organization, company, or individual they represent or by a public relations agency. The majority of opportunities exist in major metropolitan areas, but there also may be opportunities even in smaller communities, such as at colleges and universities. Media relations specialists—known as press secretaries or public affairs specialists—are also employed by government agencies.

Starting Out

It is not likely that you'll begin your career in media relations right after graduating from college. Even someone with a professional journalism background should not jump into media relations without first working as a public relations generalist. Most media relations specialists begin as journalists or work in public relations before specializing in media relations.

College career services counselors can help you find a position that will prepare you for media relations. Other effective routes include completing an internship at a public relations agency or in a corporate public relations or communications department. Additionally, professional associations, such as the Public Relations Society of America and the International Association of Business Communicators, offer job listings on their Web sites.